Estimating development of Aphis pomi (De Geer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) using linear and nonlinear models.

The development period of immature stages of the green apple aphid, Aphis pomi (De Geer) (Homoptera: Aphididae), at 6 constant temperature regimes (20, 24, 28, 30, 32, and 34 degrees C) were modelled to determine mathematical functions for simulating aphid development. 10 models (one linear and nine nonlinear), were used to describe the relationships between temperature and development rate of the different instars and stages of Aphis pomi (DeGeer) at constant temperatures. All models (except logistic and linear) provided accurate values for the optimum temperature for the Ist, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instars larvae and for the total development. The results suggest that among four models (Hilbert & Logan, Lactin, Briere, Analytis) that estimate all three parameters (tmin, topt, tmax), Lactin and Hilbert - Logan models gave the most suitable fit of data.